Wednesday, January 9, 2013

January 8, 2013

Dear
Parents and Guardians,

I hope everyone had a restful
break. The second semester of school
speeds by and I hope everyone is ready!

I want to remind students and
parents that reading logs are due every two weeks, the first for this semester
will be handed out today and is due back, with a parent signature on January
22. Students should log their reading
and jot down notes, questions, or connections they’ve made while reading. Parents are encouraged to discuss reading
with students; this helps students make deeper more meaningful connections to
reading, build comprehension, critical thinking and analytical skills. These benefits will be reflected in grades
and STAAR testing.

Students also complete a
journal/warm up activity during the first few minutes of class. Every two weeks journals are collected and
graded based on participation. Students
are not accountable for these warm ups when absent, because of this grades for
journals cannot be made up.

Students can expect homework in
English class two to three nights a week, please check with your student and
use the database to see when homework is assigned and due. In some cases students will need to take
their text book home to complete work.

State
assessment is also around the corner, students will begin taking STAAR (State
of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) in early April. The rigor of in class instruction and
homework will increase to help students prepare for testing.

Please
contact me should you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached by email
at adiaz@ssttx.org or by phone at (210) 543-1111
ext. 140. Please have your student
return the bottom portion of this letter with any updated contact information
for a participation grade.

I
look forward to a successful and enriching semester with your student.